Patents Issued in May 31, 2005
  • Patent number: 6898811
    Abstract: A device for emergency transport of pediatric patients that safely and efficiently transports a pediatric patient to a medical facility. To confine the patient to the device frame, it includes a child restraint in the form of a restraining belt assembly. The device accommodates children of varying size using the restraining belt assembly. The device also includes a hinge assembly that controls the relative rotation of portions of the frame. A clamp that can releasably attach to an object with a rail, such as a medical transport device is also described. To increase efficiency, the clamp includes a width accommodation feature and a universality feature. These features enable it to secure the device to objects of varying shapes and widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Pediatric Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefanie A. Zucker, Suzanne J. Hantke
  • Patent number: 6898812
    Abstract: An adjustable tilt bed with a post and strap securing system particularly applicable to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in sleeping infants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Lucas M. Smart
  • Patent number: 6898813
    Abstract: An innerspring assembly includes a first plurality of interconnected strings of pocketed first springs. A second plurality of strings of springs is provided and so incorporated in the innerspring assembly that at least one string of springs of the second plurality is placed between two neighboring strings of the first plurality of interconnected springs, wherein the second springs have a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the first springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: AGRO Federkernproduktions GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Grothaus
  • Patent number: 6898814
    Abstract: A bed cushion providing a soft feeling without bottomed feeling and providing a cushionability even against a small load and a durability, and a bed using the cushion; a forming die for cushion capable of smoothly and neatly releasing a product by reducing a sticky feeling and a blocking produced when releasing the cushion formed by using elastomer; the cushion, comprising thin-walled partition walls erected parallel with each other generally in a lattice shape in plan view, whereby a soft contact feeling near a water bed can be provided while preventing air blow noise from being produced by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kawamura, Yukihiro Takeda, Kenichi Tsuruhashi, Hirotoshi Kubota, Masao Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6898815
    Abstract: A portable unloading dock for trucks including a frame structure, including a pair of trusses and lateral members supporting a ramp having an elevated end and a ground engaging end. The dock includes a plurality of wheels supporting the dock for manual movement, which are positioned inwardly from both ends of the ramp. A pair of linear actuators attached to the elevated end of the ramp having a contact foot for engaging the ground and lifting the elevated end of the ramp off its wheels and a plurality of adjustable length stabilizing legs mounted on the frame structure for ground engaging support when the dock is lifted off its wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Cleone Young, legal representative, Carl R. Young, deceased
  • Patent number: 6898816
    Abstract: An engagement structure adapted for securement to the end of an aircraft boarding bridge includes a floor, a first floor panel rotatably associated with the floor, and a second floor panel displaceably associated with the floor. The second floor panel is preferably mechanically associated with a drive assembly adapted for displacing the second floor panel relative to the first floor panel to provide a dimensionally adjustable floor area of a boarding bridge proximate the interface of the bridge and an aircraft serviced by the bridge. The engagement structure is adapted to accommodate the docking of the boarding bridge with aircraft having varied entry door configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent D. Tholen, Glen O. West, Daniel D. Pohly, Thomas Chase, Kenneth Jensen, Catharine Wofford, Chris Hansen
  • Patent number: 6898817
    Abstract: A brush/scrapper device cleans dirt and debris from the soles of outdoor sports shoes, such as the cleats of golf or other such shoes. The device is a single piece frame having a body portion to which a brush is mountable and an appendage portion for engaging a bumper. The frame being a single piece bent to form the body and appendage portions and is removably mountable on the bumper of a vehicle like a golf cart without modification of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6898818
    Abstract: A dusting brush includes a brush holder, a sliding sleeve slidably mounted on the brush holder, two symmetrical ornament shells mounted on the sliding sleeve to move therewith, and a plurality of bristles mounted on the brush holder. Thus, the dusting brush can be operated easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the dusting brush. In addition, the bristles are fully hidden in the sliding sleeve when not in use, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the dusting brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Chia-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 6898819
    Abstract: The disposable tooth cleaning article for manually cleaning tooth surfaces is disclosed. The disposable tooth cleaning article extends in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and has a wearer's finger faced surface and an outer surface. The disposable tooth cleaning article comprises a first sheet and a second sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet form a pouch with an opening. The disposable tooth cleaning article has a distal portion extending opposite to the pouch beyond the opening in the longitudinal direction. The distal portion is wound about the wearer's finger when the disposable tooth cleaning article is used. The finger faced surface is provided with a first attachment means and a second attachment means. The first attachment means is located on the finger faced surface of the distal portion adjacent to one transverse edge of the opening to maintain the wound configuration of the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yuko Tanaka, Masato Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6898820
    Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a block heater for heating the fluid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned to a temperature less than boiling; a fluid recovery tank for holding recovered fluid; a suction nozzle; a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle; and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and into the recovery tank to thereby recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, David E. McDowell
  • Patent number: 6898821
    Abstract: A device for ash removal comprising a lid that can be attached to a bucket. A filter panel is positioned within the bucket, the filter panel separates an ash compartment and a coal compartment. A down-spout communicates with the coal compartment and can be connected to conventional vacuum adapters. A vacuum inlet communicates with the ash compartment, the vacuum inlet can be connected to conventional vacuum adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Donald R. Bisbee, Derek Bisbee
  • Patent number: 6898822
    Abstract: A press-fit feed-through device has one or more sets of laterally protruding and symmetrically distributed teeth that are laterally aligned and cut through the material of a bulkhead as the feed-through is inserted into a bulkhead opening. Lateral grooves disposed immediately inboard of each set of teeth receive the bulkhead material cut by the respective set of teeth. In feed-through devices having more than one set of teeth, the additional sets of teeth are located successively outboard of, and in axial alignment with, the first set of teeth, and cut successively deeper into the bulkhead as the feed-through is inserted into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Thaddeus E. Nordquist, Eric Lawrence Nordquist, Kevin T. Luce
  • Patent number: 6898823
    Abstract: A retractable handle assembly for a luggage, handcart and the like comprises a retractable tube having four tubes engaged with each other, three controllers received in the tubes and a tube plug having engagement portion provided at an end of the retractable tube. A handle has a grip portion, an axle portion and a handle plug having an engagement portion provided at an end of the axle portion. The handle is pivotally coupled with the retractable tube by a shaft. A lock device is movably mounted on the retractable handle assembly. The lock device is moved between a first position, in which the lock device is engaged with both of the engagement portions of the retractable tube and the handle, and a second position, in which the lock device only is engaged with one of the engagement portions of the retractable tube and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: James Tsai
  • Patent number: 6898824
    Abstract: A stick with shock-absorber including: an elongated member associated with a movable member with the interposition of a shock-absorbing member; a means for activating and deactivating the shock-absorbing member and adapted to determine a first shock-absorbing condition and a second condition in which shock-absorbing is disabled. The movable member includes a grip body which is adapted to be gripped by a user, and the shock-absorbing member and the activation and deactivation means are arranged substantially at the grip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Renato Zaltron
  • Patent number: 6898825
    Abstract: A hose clamp with overlapping ends, with the outer overlapping end having a toothed portion on the outer surface thereof and the overlapping end of the inner overlapping end having a locking arrangement thereon including a pivotable locking member with toothed projections thereon cooperable with the toothed portion on the outer end and the outer end has a graspable projection for tightening the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Scott R. Charest
  • Patent number: 6898826
    Abstract: A ladder strap (150) is made by joining—for example, by co-molding—a first, relatively supple material, defining a lower strap portion (155) with a second, relatively hard material defining an upper strap portion (165). The teeth (167) of the ladder strap are comprises substantially of the harder, second material. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second materials are thermoplastic urethanes, and the co-molding is done using an injection molding process. The co-molding process may be accomplished with co-injection, wherein the two materials are injected at about the same time, or the first material may be injected into a first mold cavity and allowed to partially set, after which the cavity is modified to accommodate the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander D. Draper, Nigel Bruce Edward Steere, Kenneth Wayne Heinle
  • Patent number: 6898827
    Abstract: A wedge socket with actuator assembly. A wedge socket has an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at a second end, and a pair of sides. A wedge has a large end, a small end, a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope, and a pair of sides, wherein at least one side of the wedge has a series of recesses. At least one side of the wedge socket has an opening therethrough to permit a tool to pass through said opening to be received in one of said recesses in order to move said wedge with respect to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Crosby Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Postelwait, Jerry Patton, Bradley Allen Beall
  • Patent number: 6898828
    Abstract: A clasp apparatus to releaseably hold an ornamental object. That ornamental object may have a spherical shape or an irregular shape. A method to releaseably hold an ornamental object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: William Skiles
  • Patent number: 6898829
    Abstract: A coupling device enabling rapid connection and disconnection of lifting wires or similar articles for attachment by an ROV to/from a submerged object comprising a main body portion (1), a hook potion (2), a closing member operated by a member (5) and a separate safety latch (4) arranged to lock the closing member when closed such that a load cannot escape the hook portion, the latch member and closing member being further arranged such that a gripping action (A, B) on two opposite sides of the body portion will automatically release said latch member and move the closing member into the open configuration while the device is held bodily under said gripping action, the closing member and latch member being spring biased so as to close and then lock the hook automatically when the grip is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignees: Stolt Offshore AS, Stolt Offshore Limited
    Inventors: Ola Loe, Jens C. Lindaas, Johannes H. Brodtkorb
  • Patent number: 6898830
    Abstract: A sealable casket having a memorabilia compartment comprises a shell and at least one cap pivoted to the shell. The shell and cap have respective confronting flanges. A gasket is disposed between the flanges of the shell and the cap forming a seal therebetween. A memorabilia compartment is formed within the cap and includes an access opening and an interior. A removable cover is positioned over the access opening, and a gasket is disposed between the cover and the cap forming a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BatesvilleeServices, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy D. Acton, Walter A. Hullemeyer, William F. Neth, Roger L. Reuss, Charles F. Winburn
  • Patent number: 6898831
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode and reflectors disposed on a piezoelectric substrate. Each of the IDT electrode and the reflectors has a multi-layer film structure including at least one layer (high specific gravity metal component containing layer) including as a major component a metal with a specific gravity of at least about 15 and having a film-thickness of at least about 10 nm, and at least one layer (low specific gravity metal component containing layer) including as a major component a metal with a specific gravity of up to about 10 and a volume resistivity as a bulk value (at about 20° C.) of up to about 10×10?8 ?·m, and having a film-thickness of at least about 10 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 6898832
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit, a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is formed by etching a quartz crystal wafer to form a quartz crystal tuning fork base, quartz crystal tuning fork tines connected to the quartz crystal tuning fork base, and a groove having stepped portions in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of the quartz crystal tuning fork tines. A first electrode is disposed on at least one of the stepped portions of each of the grooves and a second electrode is disposed on each of side surfaces of each of the quartz crystal tuning fork tines. A frequency of oscillation of the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is adjusted at least twice and in different steps. The quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is then mounted in a case and an open end of the case is covered with a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Piedek Technical Laboratory
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6898833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing articles from a continuous manufacturing line without interrupting the line comprising a pair of conveyor portions arranged in substantially parallel alignment, each having means for transporting an article along the manufacturing line and being mounted on a frame, the frame being reversibly transportable between a first and second position in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of an article on the manufacturing line, said first and second positions corresponding with a conveyor portion being in alignment with the continuous manufacturing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ashton Industrial Sales Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Richard Ashton
  • Patent number: 6898834
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming non-wine affected oak wood from a stave removed from a wine barrel or cask. The wine affected wood is removed as by sawing, the remaining non-wine affected wood is sawn into battens, dressed, straightened and toasted. The reclaimed oak battens can then be immersed in wine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Westbridge Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Warren
  • Patent number: 6898835
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and a method for assembling blower wheels. The machine comprises a drive motor rotatably coupled to a first die, whereon a plurality of blower wheel components reside. A second die is oppositely disposed from the first die, and is operable to engage one or more of the plurality of blower wheel components. A transfer gear assembly rotatably couples the first die and the second die, wherein a rotation of the first die generally transfers to the second die, and wherein the rotation of first die and the second die is generally synchronized. A two-stage press is coupled to the first die and the second die, and is operable to axially compress the blower wheel components between the first die and the second die. A deforming member is operable to deform the hub during the compression of the blower wheel components. One or more springs couple the second die to the press, wherein the second die is operable to axially translate with respect to the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Beckett Air Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph H. Andulics, Mark S. Resar
  • Patent number: 6898836
    Abstract: A method for forming a hollow part (18) that allows the use of hydroforming in cases where the part interconnects between sections having extreme variations in cross-section. A complete hollow part (18) is formed by joining a hydroformed hollow section with hollow sections. A method for securing a fastener sleeve (102) insert in a pre-fabricated hollow part (100) is also provided. In this method, the hollow part (100) is deformed slightly to form flanges (108) that secure the insert (102) in the part. Once the insert (102) is secure in the hollow part, fasteners can be applied to the part without collapsing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Barber, John Dicesare
  • Patent number: 6898837
    Abstract: A tooling fixture for supporting a workpiece, comprising: a body including a surface over which a workpiece is in use supported and a plurality of bores therein; a plurality of supporting elements (12) for supporting the workpiece, each slideably disposed in a respective one of the bores such as to be extendable from the surface of the body; at least one fluid reservoir (9) operably in fluid communication with the supporting elements such as to cause sliding of ones of the supporting elements on displacement of the fluid in the at least one fluid reservoir, and fluid control means (53) for displacing the fluid in the at least one reservoir such as to cause the supporting elements to be extended to a supporting position in contact with the workpiece and locking the supporting elements in the supporting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: DEK Printing Machines, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ricky Bennett, Charles Moncavage, Bernward Starke, Jason Mark Edelstein, Ian Gordon Wood
  • Patent number: 6898838
    Abstract: An inflatable bladder comprising at least one aperture and/or at least one baffle within the bladder for supporting a printed circuit board during component placement on a semiconductor substrate such as a printed circuit board is provided. The inflatable bladder is positioned to provide support for the substrate while apertures within the inflatable bladder communicate a suction force to the substrate to inhibit the substrate from bending, bowing, or flexing away from contact with the inflatable bladder during component placement. The inflatable bladder provides support for the substrate while attempting to prevent injury to components by pliably conforming to component irregularities on the back side of the substrate. The inflatable bladder can be selectively inflated or deflated for contacting the substrate and thereafter supporting the back side of the substrate during assembly operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian F. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6898839
    Abstract: A brush of a rotary electric machine includes a brush element and a pigtail. The brush element includes a high-conduction member extending in the longitudinal direction and a low-conduction member bonded to a side of the high-conduction member. The low-conduction member is a thin layer extending in the longitudinal direction from the contact surface to the middle of the length of the brush element. The wire end is embedded in the high conduction member on the side of the low-conduction member remote from the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Katoh, Masanori Ohmi
  • Patent number: 6898840
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic head device comprising a slider having a magnetic head element, a suspension structure made of a thin resilient material and having one end supporting the slider and the other end to be attached to another member, and a head IC chip. The head IC chip is mounted on the suspension structure so as to face a magnetic recording disc and at a position spaced from the slider-supporting one end of the suspension structure by an intervening portion of the suspension structure. The position is selected so that the intervening portion is effective to suppress a temperature increase in the head IC chip due to at least thermal conduction through the intervening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Shiraishi, Izumi Nomura, Tsutomu Aoyama, Isamu Sato, Masanori Sakai, Tsuyoshi Umehara, Kenichi Takano, Haruyuki Morita
  • Patent number: 6898841
    Abstract: A multilayer suspension includes a resilient bending section formed by partially removing at least part of layers of a five-layer structure which includes a first metal thin plate layer, a first resin layer laminated on the first metal thin-plate layer, a second metal thin-plate layer laminated on the first resin layer, a second resin layer laminated on the second metal thin-plate layer, and a conductive layer laminated on the second resin layer, a resilient gimbal section for mounting a head slider, formed by partially removing at least part of layers of the five-layer structure, and a rigid section for coupling the bending section and the gimbal section, formed by partially removing at least part of layers of the five-layer structure. An HGA includes thus formed multilayer suspension and a head slider mounted on the multilayer suspension and provided with at least one head element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sea Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 6898842
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a continuous-length switch that comprises first and second electrodes. The method comprises covering at least a first surface of a first electrode with an insulating material. Then, a portion of the insulating material from the first surface of the first electrode is removed so as to provide an exposed portion of the first electrode. And then, a second electrode is placed on the insulating material and over the exposed portion of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Tokyo Sensor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kasahara, Uhei Arakawa, Toshiaki Horikoshi, Takaki Natsugiri
  • Patent number: 6898843
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes an opening 1C through which a magnetic tape is drawn out, and a slide door 6 that slides along a sidewall 1D provided with the opening 1C to open and close the opening 1C. The cartridge having an assembly support device that guides a distal end of a spring support rod onto a support rod receiving block when the slide door is fitted in a lower half of the cartridge case. A proximal end of the spring support rod projects from the slide door, and a compression coil spring is wound around the spring support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Yamamoto, Kenji Ishikawa, Yusuke Ishihara, Naoki Okutsu
  • Patent number: 6898844
    Abstract: A method is provided for designing a printed circuit board. This may include analyzing at least one characteristic of a first plurality of relatively parallel conductive paths on the printed circuit board. The first plurality of relatively parallel conductive paths may be arranged in a pattern in a first area of the printed circuit board. The method may also include rearranging the pattern of conductive paths such that a second plurality of relatively parallel conductive paths in a second area of the printed circuit board have a different geometry or arrangement with respect to one another as compared to a geometry or arrangement of the first plurality of relatively parallel conductive paths in the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher N. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6898845
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of hybrid electronic circuits for active implantable medical devices and circuits made by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: ELA Medical S.A.
    Inventors: Yves Van Campenhout, Dominique Gilet, Thierry Legay
  • Patent number: 6898846
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a modular electrical circuit includes the steps of pre-manufacturing a plurality of components having fine features such as resistors, capacitors, inductances, and conductors formed on a dielectric substrate. The pre-manufactured components are laminated each to the other in a predetermined order. Each pre-manufactured component includes one or more electrical elements of the same type coupled each to the other by conducting lines. Each dielectric substrate includes through vias filled with the conductive material which serve for cross-coupling of the elements of neighboring components. Position of the passive elements, as well as conductive lines and through vias, are pre-designed to allow precise coordination between the elements of different components in the multi-layered modular electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Potomac Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Liu, Chengping Zhang, Michael T. Duignan
  • Patent number: 6898847
    Abstract: A method is described for producing an electrical connection between a plug element and a printed circuit board. A plug end of the at least one plug element is inserted in an opening extending through the printed circuit board. A solder, preferably in the form of solder paste, is applied essentially from above to at least parts of the opening or the area surrounding the opening. The connection between the board and the plug end is achieved by melting the solder. Prior to melting of the solder and/or application of the solder, the plug end is introduced into the opening in the printed circuit board essentially from below, and is held therein by a retaining arrangement such that during melting the solder enters the opening from above and contacts the plug end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: André Koerner, Ralf Schulze
  • Patent number: 6898848
    Abstract: A chip is fixed via an insulating film on a tape carrier on one main surface of which plural inner leads are laid and each electrode pad of the chip is bonded to each inner lead. The inner lead is bonded to the electrode pad when the chip is supplied in a fixed position for a bonding tool using a sprocket hole of the ape carrier. Next, the respective positions of the inner lead and the electrode pad are recognized and the center line of the inner lead is recognized. The inner lead is touched to the chip by the bonding tool and after the inner lead is pushed in the direction of the base and bent in the form of a letter S. the end of the inner lead is bonded to the electrode pad by thermocompression by the bonding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohkubo, Keisuke Nadamoto, Yoshifumi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6898849
    Abstract: A method for forming a substantially spherical free air ball on a fine non-oxidizable wire in a computerized bonder, which has a computerized flame-off (EFO) apparatus operable to generate pulses of different heights and widths. A train of EFO current pulses is applied between electrode and wire; examples are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The pulse heights are controlled to melt a predetermined volume of wire while minimizing the heat-affected zone of the wire as well as the wire necking, thus creating free air balls of small diameters and high ball/wire strength. The pulse widths are controlled to create a substantially spherical ball shape. The pulse train of various heights and widths is minimized in order to minimize the time needed for one bond and to maximize the number of bonds provided per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Luis Trejo
  • Patent number: 6898850
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit board by forming a circuit pattern in a short process and capable of performing pattern transfer with stability. The manufacturing method includes a step of superposing on a carrier a resist layer in which a circuit pattern is formed and which is formed of a conductor or an insulator, a step of filling the circuit pattern with an electroconductive material, a step of removing the resist layer from the carrier, and a step of transferring the electroconductive material filled in the circuit pattern into an electrical insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Kanzawa, Satoru Yuuhaku, Yoshitake Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6898851
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a semiconductor device having a buried multilayer wiring structure in which generation of a resolution defect of a resist pattern is suppressed and generation of a defective wiring caused by the resolution defect is reduced. After a via hole (7) reaching an etching stopper film (4) is formed, annealing is carried out at 300 to 400° C. with the via hole (7) opened. As an annealing method, it is possible to use both a method using a hot plate and a method using a heat treating furnace. In order to suppress an influence on a lower wiring (20) which has been manufactured, heating is carried out for a short time of approximately 5 to 10 minutes by using the hot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignees: Renesas Technology Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Nishioka, Junjiro Sakai, Shingo Tomohisa, Susumu Matsumoto, Fumio Iwamoto, Michinari Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6898852
    Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed and claimed. The connector assembly includes a connector and a cable attachable at one end to the connector. The cable includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer disposed over the first conductive layer. A layer of insulation material is disposed at least between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and a plurality of capacitors are connected between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Nader N. Abazarnia, Jeffrey H. Luke, James Neeb
  • Patent number: 6898853
    Abstract: A hollow rack shaft is manufactured through a first step, a second step and a third step. At the first step, the plate-like workpiece of substantial rectangular shape is press-formed into a gutter-like shape. At the second step, a row of rack teeth is press-formed by a preliminary forming step and a main forming step on the flat bottom portion of the workpiece formed in the first step. The die set used at the second step is provided with a recess for releasing surplus workpiece material within the die clearance at a stroke end of the pressworking and each die set is divided into a plurality of segments at the recess. At the third step, each of a pair of legs of the workpiece is bent in a semi-circular shape so as to be butted to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Tsubouchi, Kiyoshi Okubo, Yasushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6898854
    Abstract: A modular power tool incorporates a modular drive system and modular handle set that is reversible for use with both a left hand and right hand configuration. The modular drive system and handle set of the modular power tool of this invention reduces the need for derivative circular saw designs by introducing common components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, Keith Moore, Weston J. Van Wambeke
  • Patent number: 6898855
    Abstract: A scraping tool employing a sharp-edged blade comprising a top, bottom, door, carrier, blade, storage box and an ergonomic base grip. The top, bottom and base grip combine to form the scraper tool body. The blade is attached to the carrier which is contained within the body and slides back and forth allowing the blade to be exposed. The storage box is contained within the body and can be used to store spare and used scraper blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Gordon Sinclair Jones, John Darrin Fiegener, Jason A. Morris
  • Patent number: 6898856
    Abstract: A letter opener is disclosed as including a body with a channel allowing an envelope to pass through, and a cutting blade extending into the channel, in which the body and the cutting blade are movable relative to each other to vary the position along the channel at which the cutting blade cuts the passing envelope. At least part of the channel is of a generally S shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: King Biu Mak, Chung Yin Ronald Mak, Chung Ming Mak
  • Patent number: 6898857
    Abstract: A hand utensil for peeling and pitting a fruit, such as a mango, has a spoon-shaped bowl through which a plurality of elongated generally parallel slots laterally extend in a lower region of the concave surface between the proximal end and the distal end of the bowl. In addition, a series of arcuate ridges project from the concave surface of the bowl, wherein each arcuate ridge has a radius of curvature extending from a center point on a longitudinal axis defined by the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Steven D. Ruben
  • Patent number: 6898858
    Abstract: A folding hacksaw having the back of the saw and the saw handle pivotally joined together and pivotally connected to a four-bar linkage comprising the blade, side frames and a back frame. The back frame is enclosed within the back of the saw. Movement of the handle relative to the back of the saw causes the saw blade to extend from the back or retract into the back in the manner of a folding knife. The movement of the handle places the handle in the proper cutting position when the blade is extended. A top latch maintains the handle in line with the back in the retracted position. A blade latch maintains the saw blade and the handle rigidly in the blade extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Barry Spell
  • Patent number: 6898859
    Abstract: A rotary disc for use in a rotary encoder includes a signal generation section having a pattern formed thereon to generate a signal indicative of a rotational angle/phase. The signal generation section has a peripheral surface, which is provided with a linear portion usable as an indicator indicative of the rotational angle/phase represented by the signal generation pattern on the signal generation section. A robot hand is employed to hold the linear portion and attach it through an attachment portion of the rotary disc to a rotor shaft of a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Mitsuyuki Taniguchi, Keisuke Imai
  • Patent number: 6898860
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle with a laser alignment device for drills comprises a grip portion for grasping, an opened collar which can be engaged with shoulder of the drill, and a clamp means for locking or loosing the opened collar. The auxiliary handle also comprises a first laser generator which can project a fanned planar laser beam, a battery pack which can be used to power the first laser generator, and a switch for turning on or turning off the first laser generator, the fanned laser beam which is projected by the first laser generator is in alignment with the central axis of the opened collar. Such that the fanned laser beam is in alignment with the central axis of the chuck when the auxiliary handle is mounted on the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Chervon International Trading Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuming Wu